Online Therapy

Erika Bischoff, LCSW (CBT Therapist) provides online therapy to clients in order to provide therapy services that are not only effective but flexible and convenient. In addition, online therapy is now covered by most insurance companies making it cost effective. Happily, more and more clients are finding the advantages to online therapy and recognizing the added benefits as opposed to the traditional “in office” model. Below are some of the advantages to online therapy.

1. Convenience
It goes without saying that one of the biggest benefits to online therapy is the convenience.

You do not have to spend time traveling to and from an office which can save you valuable time in your day.

You just need a computer (tablet or phone) and internet access to have a therapy session whether in the privacy of your home, office, or even car.

You can travel, whether personal or business, and still have online sessions to keep you on track.

2. Geographic Access and Insurances
Most of us don’t think about accessing professional help outside of our local area but with online therapy you now have access.

Clients only need to be a resident of California for therapy services; however, they can be located anywhere in California and use their insurance or private pay.

Most California insurance companies now reimburse for online therapy and view the service as a viable alternative to office visits.

3. Face to Face Model
When we hear of the face to face model we generally think of meeting in an office; however online therapy still remains face to face.

Most of us are now quite accustomed to talking to our friends and loved ones via the internet and so the transition to talking to a therapist online is not as foreign as we may think.

A therapist does not lose their ability to read body language and facial expressions while working with a client online and can still respond to non-verbal cues just as if they were in an office setting.

4. Anonymity
One of the reasons that many people do not seek help is they still find there is a stigma associated in working with a professional for personal growth.

You don’t have to be seen going in and out of a therapist’s office and this can be crucial for someone who lives in a small town where everyone knows each other.

5. Safety and Accessibility
Many people are often cautious or guarded when they first go to meet with a therapist in an office and this can be a barrier to seeking help.

You may get more out of the online therapy experience and feel more comfortable with personal exploration from a distance.

Those with disabilities may find it easier to access help from the safety of their home and not have to navigate accessibility issues.

Depending on where you live and time of appointment, you don’t have to risk the logistics and sometimes personal safety issues with public transportation, driving, parking, and walking to an office.

6. Flexibility of Scheduling
Many of us seem to have limited time when we are available to meet, or we prefer certain times of the day for sessions.

Since you don’t need to go out for your session, it is often easier to find at least an hour somewhere in your schedule to meet online.

If you are working with a therapist outside your local area, you may be able to schedule appointments at odd hours that work for you but a local professional would not be available.

Erika Bischoff, LCSW provides online therapy using s a HIPAA compliant and highly secure platform. If you are considering therapy services, don’t hesitate to call or email to find out more about her services and the benefits of working together online.